49ers players pulling for positive vote on new stadium

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Artist rendering of the proposed 49ers stadium in Santa Clara. The planwould include extra-wide plazas and concourses, solar panels and a “green roof” made of living plants, and one of the largest lower-seating bowls in the NFL. (Courtesy of San Francisco 49ers)

As a San Jose native, kicker Joe Nedney understands what Tuesday’s stadium vote in Santa Clara would mean for some 49ers fans in the South Bay. He talks often to season-ticket holders in the area, including some as far south as Santa Cruz, and wishes all of them could have their say.

“It’s unfortunate that the scope is limited to Santa Clara. The demographics of the 49ers family extend so much further than that,” said Nedney, a graduate of Santa Teresa High and San Jose State. “I understand why that is, but I hope that the (eligible) voters don’t take anything for granted. I hope they get out and make a difference.”

Measure J would commit $114 million from taxpayers toward the construction of a stadium in Santa Clara with an estimated cost of $937 million.

Recent polls indicate the vote will be close. But, predictably, that’s not the case in the 49ers’ locker room, where the measure had overwhelming support. After practice Monday, players were eager to see if they would move a step closer to a potential 68,500-seat venue in Santa Clara.

“The majority of our fans are from around here,” Pro Bowl tight end Vernon Davis said. “I think a new stadium here would be tremendous, not just for the players but for the entire organization. . . . Plus, I wouldn’t have to drive as far.”

Coach Mike Singletary said: “It would be tremendous if people would get out and vote, because it is important. I think it’s a tremendous step for the organization. I think we all know that. Everything that the people of Santa Clara have done here has been great. Now, it’s just following through and getting out and voting.”

Still, even on the eve of election day, conversation focused mostly on football. Quarterback Alex Smith said players have talked about the new stadium, but it’s not as if anyone was glued to the TV for the latest election news.

“I don’t know how many (players) actually know that the vote is tomorrow. I think they are all very aware that it’s coming up here shortly,” Smith said. “They all know what it’s about, absolutely. It is a big deal. So, I think everybody is aware of it.”

If Measure J passes, the plan calls for work on the new stadium to begin in January 2012, with the opening scheduled for the start of the 2014 season. The proposed stadium site is adjacent to California’s Great America theme park, across the street from the 49ers’ headquarters and practice facility.

Owner Jed York has pushed hard in Santa Clara for more than two years. Nedney said the players have campaigned, too, albeit indirectly.

“All we can do as players is put the best product we can on the field. That’s how we can help Measure J to pass,” he said. “If we were in the bottom of the league, down with the dregs, nobody would care about us or a new stadium.

“But we’re playing better. This is a young team on the rise, and there’s a lot of excitement. The product is good, and that’s what we have control over.”

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